The melasma facts
Melasma occurs as a result of excess melanin production in skin cells. The reason for this is not real clear, but scientists say there are several factors including sun damage and estrogen levels.
Melasma often occurs in women--particularly pregnant women--and appears on the face as blotchy, dark spots. Sometimes melasma is mistaken for freckles or age-spots, which are essentially the same thing, however, melasma spots can be larger and much darker.
There is no magical fix for melasma, but there are several treatments and products that will improve melasma. It should also be said that protecting your skin from the sun will prevent your melasma from getting darker; but more on that later.
Bestselling melasma products on Amazon
Vivite Vibrance Therapy 1 fl oz.
Amazon Price: $84.92 (as of 01/02/2010) 
Cosmelan 2 Two Maintenance Cream for Melasma, Freckles, Hyperpigmentation, Acne
Amazon Price: $159.95 (as of 01/02/2010)
MaMa Lotion Mandelic And Malic Acid 1.67 fl oz.
Amazon Price: (as of 01/02/2010)
UNT Pearl White Intensive Capsules
Amazon Price: $58.99 (as of 01/02/2010)
Bremenn Research Labs Lumedia Hyperpigmented Age Spots 29.57ml
Amazon Price: $90.00 (as of 01/02/2010)
My personal experience with melasma
Like many skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, and eczema, melasma doesn't just affect the way you look on the outside, melasma also affects how you feel inside.At times melasma can take a toll on my self-esteem and confidence because it can be difficult to cover with make-up and for some reason it is very obvious in photographs. (But I have found that CoverBlend Concealing Treatment Makeup SPF 20 Bisque
I've had melasma for a few years now and I know that it could be worse than it is, but it still makes me uncomfortable and it is something I wish I wasn't preoccupied with.
In addition to the way it makes me feel, treatments are also very expensive. There is no magic cure for melasma. All of the products and treatments I have tried made some difference, but not as much as I'd hoped.
Having said that, though, I still persevere in trying new products in the hopes that something will make a big difference.
Needless to say, I'm racking up the points at Sephora:)
Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to wear your sun block.
Save the bucks, do your own chemical peel at home
Glycolic peels seem to work the best for melasma
If you want to save money, try at-home peels with products from Amazon.
Glycolic Acid 50% Chemical Peel, 30mL (Professional)
Amazon Price: $34.95 (as of 01/03/2010)
Glycolic Acid 35% Gel Peel, 30ml (Professional)
Amazon Price: $18.95 (as of 01/03/2010)
Glycolic Acid 70% Chemical Peel, 30mL (Professional)
Amazon Price: $44.95 (as of 01/03/2010)
The sun and melasma
When you have melasma you want to hide from the sun
Sun damage done to our skin is not always visible, but for some, that damage is apparent because of wrinkles, fine lines, and discoloration.
Melasma is visible sun damage.
When the sun's damaging rays hit the skin the cells work to produce melanin to protect the skin. Too much of this melanin and melasma forms.
It's too much to ask a melasma sufferer to stay out of the sun, but it is fair to ask that everyone wear a sun block of at least 15 spf (re-applied every four hours) and avoid direct sun light (by wearing a hat or carrying an umbrella). My favorite sunblock is Philosophy A Pigment Of Your Imagination SPF 18 because it has that spf and it works to help regenerate cell growth. In fact, it's designed especially for those with skin discoloration.
Oh, and one last thing. Heat can also trigger melasma so carrying a cooling rag or personal fan might be a good idea too.
Exfoliate for even skin tone
When you exfoliate you slough off the dead skin cells and you promote new, healthy cell regeneration. I prefer to use Freeze 24 7 IceCrystals AntiAging Prep and Polish
The big picture on melasma
What melasma looks like
Many times melasma is mistaken for freckles because they take on that same tanish brown color. However, a melasma spot will typically grow much larger than a freckle and also take on random shapes.
Melasma is not always in just one blotchy area. Sometimes it will appear on both sides of the face in a symmetrical pattern, or melasma can even take up all of the real estate on a face, which is why its sometimes called a mask.
Statistically, women of color are most often plagued by melasma, but fair-skinned women and men of all backgrounds have also been known to suffer from melasma.
The frequency among women has led doctors to research a link to estrogen. There is an obvious connection between women who are pregnant or on birth control. The good news is that the melasma often improves after pregnancy or after the pill is discontinued.
Regardless of who you are, most treatments are the same for everyone. However, if you have a dark complexion be wary of bleaching creams. Too much bleaching may make your skin discoloration worse.
Chloasma, hyperpigmentation, mask of pregnancy, discoloration...
There are many names for melasma including chloasma, mask of pregnancy, hyper pigmentation, discoloration, and others. While it can be confusing to see all these different words and spellings, rest assured that they are one in the same. Don't fear that you have multiple skin problems.
Eight skin care tips to get rid of melasma
Prevention and treatments
Getting rid of melasma is tough, but there are a few things you can do to help prevent melasma and treat melasma.
1. Drink more than enough water to purge all those toxins out of your body.
2. Protect yourself from the sun with sun block, hats, and clothing.
3. Eat and drink foods containing antioxidants such as dark colored fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants fight off free radicals in the environment (like pollution and the sun).
4. Exfoliate two to three times a week.
5. Use a topical antioxidant cream (it will contain vitamins C and E) before you apply your moisturizer and sun block.
6. Purchase a moisturizer that has ingredients designed to even skin tone.
7. Wear sun block.
8. Glycolic chemical peels are commonly used to treat melasma. It's best to see an esthetician for a chemical peel, but there are over the counter products available.
Things to do before I leave the house
1. Take my antioxidants. A supplement or eating an orange and drinking green tea will do.
2. Put on sun block.
3. Bring more sun block to reapply four hours later.
4. Pack my hat just in case.
5. Pack a pocket-sized fan to cool my face if I get warm.
Treating mask of pregnancy
With a surge of hormones, especially estrogen, melasma tends to rear its head during and right after pregnancy. Again, like the name describes, mask of pregnancy often looks like a mask because of the dark spots covering most of the face.
It's important that a pregnant or nursing woman with melasma not use any skin care products--including supplements, prescription medications, or topical products-0without talking to a doctor first. Many skin care products (even the topical products) contain a number of chemicals that could be harmful to a fetus or brand new baby.
The good news is that for many pregnant women the mask of pregnancy disappears or improves after the baby is born and hormones begin to equalize. And, once you are done nursing you can begin to use skin care products designed to treat melasma safely and effectively.
If you think you have the mask of pregnancy and you are pregnant, steer clear of the sun and protect your skin as best you can. Hats, portable fans, and sun block are necessities in treating the mask of pregnancy and they are safe methods too.
Skin care products for melasma
Try these products to improve skin tone and discoloration
Proactiv Solution Skin Lightening Lotion
Amazon Price: $31.95 (as of 01/03/2010)
South Beach - Skin Lightening Gel for Sensitive Areas
Amazon Price: $50.00 (as of 01/03/2010)
La Roche-Posay Mela-D Daily Skin Lightening Lotion (30ml) 1 Fluid Ounce
Amazon Price: $42.62 (as of 01/03/2010)
Original Likas Papaya Skin Whitening Herbal Soap
Amazon Price: $3.99 (as of 01/03/2010)
Murad Environmental Shield Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel, 2: Treat/Repair, 1.0 fl oz (30 ml)
Amazon Price: $33.94 (as of 01/03/2010)
Extreme melasma treatment methods
Some melasma treatments are controversial
1. Bleaching creams. By using a doctor-prescribed bleaching cream on your skin you are causing the melanin-producing cells to slow down production. This can be beneficial especially if you continue to use sun block all the time, but be wary of products that are truly poisonous. Talk to your doctor about possible side-effects and existing research. Bleaching ingredients such as hydroquinone are somewhat controversial and proven to be dangerous to pregnant women.
2. Microdermabrasion. This can be an excellent treatment for a variety of skin care problems, but melasma is often worsened by heat. I'd recommend avoiding microdermabrasion and opt for a gentler exfoliation process instead.
3. Lasers and lights. These are relatively new treatments that can be incredibly expensive. If you choose to receive these treatments, be sure to work with a dermatologist or investigate the credibility of the esthetician. Also, be wary of exorbitant prices because insurance rarely covers these expenses.
An Extreme Makeover episode on melasma
Hydroquinone - Is it skin lightener or herbicide?
Hydroquinone is a serious weapon against melasma
Hydroquinone products are gaining popularity for many melasma sufferers, however, in some regions of the world it is completely banned; like the European Union, for example.
Essentially, hydroquinone is one ingredient of many ingredients in topical skin care products like corrective creams, gels, and serums that are designed to treat melasma and other skin care conditions that cause uneven skin tone. Hydroquinone works by slowing down the production of melanin in the skin. As you know, melasma, freckles, and age spots are a result of increased melanin production.
There are conflicting reports on hydroquinone's safety so it's recommended that you ask your doctor a lot of questions before you use any of these products. Like any worthwhile skin care product, a little bit goes a long so don't over do it.
If you do choose to use a product containing hydroquinone, follow the Skin Fitness Facts list of things not to do when you are using hydroquinone.
Hydroquinone Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
It's plain and simple. If you're pregnant or nursing your infant, don't use hydroquinone under any circumstances.
Beautiful skin is not worth the risks of hydroquinone to your new baby. Besides, chances are your melasma will disappear or improve a little while after your pregnancy anyway.
Skin lightening alternatives to hydroquinone
Botanicals smell nicer and get you results
Skinceuticals Phyto + Botanical Gel For Hyperpigmentation, 1-Ounce Bottle
Amazon Price: $52.00 (as of 01/03/2010)
TNS HYPERPIGMENTATION SYSTEM
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)
The melasma poll
Melamsa and your diet
Fight melasma with food and supplements
You can read more about incorporating vitamins and supplements into your skin care regimen on one of my other lenses "Vitamins for Healthy Skin."
- Turmeric inhibits the production off melanin in the skin. Mix turmeric with lemon to create a paste, apply to your skin, and leave it for 10 minutes, then rinse.
- Red fruits such as tomatoes and grapefruits contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant and natural sun block. By eating these foods daily, you give your skin extra protection from the sun.
- Some experts connect melasma with adrenal failure. Adrenal failure means that the the adrenal glands stop producing the hormones they are intended too. This can impact blood pressure, the body's breakdown of glucose, and more. A change in diet may be necessary if you have adrenal failure. Consider eliminating coffee and dairy products for periods of time to see if your melasma improves.
- Black currant, a berry that grows in parts of Europe and Africa, contains antioxidants and also has anti-inflammatory properties. Some take black currant supplements to fight depression and hormonal imbalances and others take black currant supplements to fight inflammation in the skin. The jury is out on whether black currant makes a difference in melasma, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to try.
Share melasma fighting tips
If you have tips, then please share. Or, you can just say hello. I'm happy you're here.
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Reply
- chickasa chickasa Dec 9, 2009 @ 3:11 pm
- i had some sun spots on my cheeks before i got pregnant with my second child but when i got pregnant it took over my face. i have large donuts on my cheeks, a large spot between my brow that continues onto my nose. large spots on my brow that continue onto the sides of my face and my lip is the worst because the spots are darker and look like a mustache. i spent nearly a $1000 dollars on laser treatments but they actually made them worse because i have a dark skin tone, they got darker and spread. my son is now 1 and they look worse then when i was pregnant. does anyone know anything about the pills you take internally from overseas that are suppose to be natural and safe. i am turnin into an introvert because of my face and i'm tired of looking in the mirror. thanks
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Reply
- Evi Evi Nov 5, 2009 @ 2:13 pm
- Hello Sara,
Your article is really helpful and I am glad there are other people who have the same problem. I have been on the pill for 4 years now and I had no idea that it can lead to melasma. Unfortunately, the packet doesn't list it as a side-effect even if 33% of women on the pill get it. I only noticed it last year and this year it got much worse since I was under the sun with no protection. I have it on my upper lip (the worst), the sides of my eyes and my nose. I went to my dermatologist who prescribed Pigmanorm, which I have been using since September 21st. I've seen great difference especially on my nose and eyesides. My upper lip is a bit red, but I can see that there is some difference. I had all kinds of concerns but my doctor reassured me that the concetration of Hydroquinone in the cream is not big to cause problems. I am paranoid about sunscreen these days and I use it day and night.
I want to wish good luck to all of us ladies!
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Reply
- JanaMurray JanaMurray Oct 31, 2009 @ 10:49 pm
- I have been working on a solution for this. After my third child at the age of 35, 7 years later I am happy to recommend a product by hawaiianbathbody.com called Kukui oil, my skin is dramatically improving after only 1 month of using this. You may also want to visit treatmentformelasma.net for some more info on this skin condition. Avoiding sugar is key, use stevia if you need to something sweet.
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Reply
- Bina Bina Oct 24, 2009 @ 11:16 am
- I have had REALLY bad melasma for over 4 years and nothing seemed to help. I tried hydroquinone for over 2 years, laser treatments, electro treatments, peels, chinese herbal drinks, name it... I tried. Nothing seemed to help and as everyone, I lost self confidence and almost stopped going out. But recently I found this medicine kit from Taiwan called "Bai Li Tou Hong", and it works. Trust me ladies, it works. This is from someone who hates the sun. A few hours in the sun with all th sunblock (SPF50-60) I use everyday, I still get dark but with this cream, give is a few weeks and it brings me back to lighter, much lighter that maybe can easily hide it. And even without makeup, it is not all that bad if you use tinted moisturizer or sunscreen. Try this ladies, and you will be happy!
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Reply
- Sue Sue Dec 12, 2009 @ 2:09 am
- Hi Bina,
Can you please tell me where I can purchsae this from. I live in Australia.
Did you have any side effects?
Thank you
- Load More
by SaraMu
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